Best Campgrounds near Blue Ridge, VA
Camping in Blue Ridge, Virginia encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and rustic sites primarily situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area features diverse accommodations including the Peaks of Otter Campground which offers tent, RV, and cabin options, and Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Middle Creek Campground and Explore Park provide additional tent and RV camping options with varying levels of amenities, from basic sites to those with electric hookups and water access.
The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with most facilities operating from April or May through late October. "The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful and this campground is a great place to stop for camp," noted one visitor about Otter Creek Campground. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, particularly at higher elevations, requiring appropriate preparation. Many campgrounds in the region offer limited amenities - several Blue Ridge Parkway sites provide toilets but no showers, while more developed campgrounds like Middle Creek and Smith Mountain Lake State Park include shower facilities and hookups. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the mountainous terrain, particularly in more remote camping areas.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and peaceful setting of Blue Ridge area campgrounds. The proximity to hiking trails, especially those connecting to the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, represents a significant draw. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent campers appreciate the creek-side sites at several campgrounds, while RV travelers note the varying size limitations at different facilities. Some campgrounds like Otter Creek feature sites along creeks that provide ambient sound and scenery. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of campgrounds serving as base camps for exploring regional attractions, with many sites positioned within driving distance of Natural Bridge, Floyd, and Roanoke. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few campgrounds like Smith Mountain Lake State Park operating year-round.
